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For some crime committed by my ancestors in the dark and…

“For some crime committed by my ancestors in the dark and forgotten days, I came into the world already tarred and feathered. With shyness. It hurts terribly -- every bit as much as hot tar choking every pore -- and I wish I could be rid of it. But it hurts a lot less than having someone try and…” quote by Geraldine McCaughrean
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““For some crime committed by my ancestors in the dark and forgotten days, I came into the world already tarred and feathered. With shyness. It hurts terribly -- every bit as much as hot tar choking every pore -- and I wish I could be rid of it. But it hurts a lot less than having someone try and peel the shyness off. That's like being flayed alive.””

Geraldine McCaughrean

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Inherited shyness feels like a painful, lingering stain, but external attempts to remove it can be even more agonizing.

In simple terms: Shyness is a painful inheritance.

Key Takeaway

Accept and manage shyness.

Themes

shyness inheritance pain self‑acceptance

Mood

melancholy introspective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • therapy
  • social interactions

Key Concepts

psychology social anxiety

Questions to Reflect On

  • What triggers your shyness?
  • How to gently address it?
A Different Perspective

Shyness can be overcome with effort.

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